While high streets across the UK face mounting pressure from online retailers and economic strain, one road remains vibrant and thriving with independent shops. The road, located in North Bristol, is the longest street of independent businesses in the UK and one of the longest in Europe.

Gloucester Road, which runs through the suburbs of Redland, Bishopston, St Andrews, and Horfield, is around 1.7 miles (2.7km) long. It is brimming with unique shops, quirky cafes, bustling bars and beloved restaurants. "The success of the Gloucester Road is not down to the individual shops, but being a big shopping area that people want to visit," Paul Carpenter, the owner of Totally Toys, tells the Daily Express. "It's a combined effort from the whole shopping community."

Mr Carpenter, 72, opened his toy shop 37 years ago and is still going strong. He explains how the area has developed over the years, including the addition of 25 cafes.

"When I came here 37 years ago, there were two cafes between the Memorial Ground and The Arches," he says. There are now 27.

"You might think that's too many but that's what people want. I think if you give people what they want, they will support it."

According to Mr Carpenter, Gloucester Road has become a breeding ground for independent businesses due to small shop sizes and the support of the local community. He argues that while Clifton is often considered one of Bristol's most desirable neighbourhoods, it doesn't match Gloucester Road for its shopping experience.

"We are really lucky here. All of the shops are around 1,000 sq/ft or smaller, which attracts independent businesses," Mr Carpenter says. "We have a real mixture of businesses. We have butchers, bakers, cafes, toy shops and florists, which help keep us relevant.

"Compare that to Clifton in Bristol, which is a really nice area, but they don't have the variety. Gloucester Road sells everything that you need in your shopping basket today, it's relevant."

He adds: "The customers around here are really supportive. It's a densely populated area and people like living in an area where there are lots of shops close.

"A lot of people don't own a car as they don't need to. It's a big area of Bristol but it's a small community in that sense."

Gloucester Road benefits from being wedged between the University of the West of England and the University of Bristol. The former has around 38,000 students while the latter has just over 32,000.

Andy Minter, the owner of vintage clothing store RePsycho, believes this is one of the main reasons behind his success and longevity. The 65-year-old has been trading on Gloucester Road for 30 years, but notes that it hasn't always been easy.

"It's been a steady place to trade over the years, but recent times have been the most challenging. But we've still seen a consistent turnover of customers," he explains.

"There's not been a period I can recall where shops have suddenly shut or there's been empty sites. If a place loses it tends to get filled quickly."

Mr Minter adds: "I think people around here enjoy shopping independently. They appreciate what there is on offer.

"We're located between the two universities so there's naturally a lot of students. That's good for us and what we offer as they buy vintage clothes.

"A lot of people also finish university in Bristol before settling here with their jobs. We find they then continue to support us as they enjoy the sort of bohemian vibe around here."

As well as being on a popular bus route, linking North Bristol and the city centre, there is parking available on Gloucester Road. The street is also surrounded by homes meaning it's always busy.

"Having parking on the road helps a lot too. As we're the old main road from Bristol to Gloucester, it's a main route which always gets busy. There are a lot of potential shoppers always passing through," Mr Minter explains.

"A lot of people are always walking up and down the road, too. We're on a bus route as well, so people can hop off and come into the shops. It's a residential area on both sides of the street, so that means there's a big population. It helps with the customers."

Judy Hickey-Merli has lived in the area for 55 years and shopped on Gloucester Road for over seven decades. She says it's always been a popular shopping location with a friendly community spirit.

"I've used the Gloucester Road for more than 70 years and have lived in the area for 55 years so have witnessed many changes. There has always been a large variety of shops.

"Way back, we had department stores and cinemas. It's always a busy vibe and it's nice to pass the time of day with people you recognise."

The sense of community spirit is echoed by Patricia Alvarez, the owner of La Ruca, a health food shop and café bar on Gloucester Road. The 67-year-old has always maintained reasonable prices to make sure that no one is priced out of buying good-quality food.

"We've been trading here for nearly 30 years," Mrs Alvarez says. "We've seen a lot of changes over the years but Gloucester Road is still full of so many interesting shops. There's still so many independent shops which bring new people to the area and interesting ideas.

"It's a place where people of different ages and ethnicities can come together and enjoy a meal. We've always tried to adapt to what the community needs and wants."

She adds: "The number one thing here is the community. It's been tough economically in recent years, since Covid really, but the people have got us throughWe've still been able to trade but wouldn't have got through without the community."

"We've always tried to maintain reasonable prices. People can get food here for good prices.

It's not just the shoppers who support the local businesses. Mr Carpenter, Mr Minter and Mrs Alvarez all agree that the shop owners help to pull each other through tough times by their unwavering support.

"There's one thing we never do and that's tread on anyone's toes. There's two toy shops on the Gloucester Road and we're great friends," Mr Carpenter says. I know what he sells and he knows what I sell and we never overlap. It's no use competing with each other."

Mr Minter adds: "We often recommend other shops to customers if we don't have what they want. There's also an unspoken rule about giving each other little discounts which creates a really friendly atmosphere. It's generally a very friendly place. People can walk into shops and have a nice chat."

Mrs Alvarez agrees: "If customers can't get something here, then I'll pass them onto someone else. And vice-versa.

"It's just such a friendly place and I've made so many friends over the years. We have a lot of regular customers from all backgrounds."